BMC Research Notes最新文献

Objective: The Significant Quality of Life Measure (SigQOLM) is a validated scale used to measure a broad spectrum of quality of life and well-being. Given that the original SigQOLM consists of 69 items, this study aims to revise and validate a shortened version, referred to as SigQOLM-36, containing 36 items.

Results: The overall internal consistency of SigQOLM-36 was deemed excellent, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.923. The minimum Cronbach's alpha coefficient for each domain was 0.733, McDonald's omega coefficients ranged between 0.562 and 0.991, and with a minimum factor loading of 0.547. Additionally, the model fit for the overall framework and each domain of SigQOLM-36 was found to be excellent (Chi-square test < 0.30, RMSEA < 0.80, SRMR < 0.08, CFI > 0.9, and TLI > 0.9). The SigQOLM-36 maintains the original SigQOLM framework, featuring four elements and 18 domains. In conclusion, the SigQOLM-36 can be used to measure quality of life and well-being of people.

Objective: Human leptospirosis is an endemic disease in northern Iran. residents of northern provinces are at increased risk of exposure to Leptospira due to the region's unique geographical characteristics, occupational patterns, cultural practices, lifestyle, and recreational activities, all of which contribute to the higher burden of the disease in this area. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the epidemiological patterns of leptospirosis in Babol County over six years (2019-2024).

Results: During the study period, 344 cases of human leptospirosis were reported. Of these, 86.0% occurred in males, and 70.3% of the cases were among rural residents. Among occupational groups, agricultural workers exhibited the highest frequency, with 42.4% of cases occurring among rice farmers and 22.1% among other farmers. The crude and age-standardized incidence rates of leptospirosis in 2019 were 10.1 and 8.1 per 100,000 population, respectively. These rates showed an increasing trend over the study period, reaching 17.3 and 14.4 per 100,000 population in 2024. The upward trend was statistically significant (P < 0.001). During the study period, the highest incidence was observed in May, with a rate of 2.9 per 100,000 population.

Background: Dengue is a rapidly expanding vector-borne disease transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which often breed in artificial containers. Urban construction sites, with their abundance of water-holding surfaces, are increasingly recognized as key breeding habitats. This study presents the first field-based evaluations of how specific construction materials, particularly cement types, influence mosquito oviposition behavior.

Method: A seven-month field-based, randomized controlled experiment (September 2024-March 2025) was conducted across three Grama Niladhari divisions (Kolonnawa, Salamulla, and Orugodawatta) in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. A total of 480 ovitraps using four substrate types, Control (plastic), Blended Hydraulic Cement (BHC), Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), and Portland Limestone Cement (PCC), were deployed in indoor (n = 4) and outdoor (n = 4) settings at 20 randomly selected households per GN division. Water quality parameters (pH, turbidity, conductivity) were recorded at trap placement. Egg counts were analyzed using a Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB) regression model.

Results: Traps containing BHC and PCC substrates had significantly fewer eggs than controls (BHC: β = -0.402, P = 0.014; PCC: β = -0.527, P = 0.001) and showed a higher likelihood of zero-egg presence (BHC: β = 1.025, P = 0.002; PCC: β = 0.941, P = 0.003). Outdoor traps had higher egg counts than indoor ones (β = 0.326, P = 0.021). Among water quality factors, only conductivity was significantly associated with egg counts (P = 0.036).

Conclusion: The BHC and PCC cement types significantly deterred Aedes oviposition compared to other substrates, indicating that construction materials can influence mosquito breeding behavior.

Objective: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative condition leading to pain and disability. While structural changes such as cartilage loss are central to OA pathology, neuropathic pain (NP) may also contribute to symptom severity and outcomes. This study cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between femoral cartilage thickness and NP in patients with knee OA, and to assess its impact on pain, function, and quality of life.

Results: Sixty patients with knee OA were evaluated and classified into NP and non-NP groups using the painDETECT questionnaire (30 per group). Compared with non-NP patients, those with NP reported significantly higher pain scores (VAS: 4.70 vs. 3.37, p < 0.001), worse functional impairment (WOMAC: 71.0 vs. 55.9, p = 0.002), and lower quality of life across several SF-36 domains, particularly Role Emotional (p = 0.004) and Bodily Pain (p < 0.001). Femoral cartilage thickness at the medial condyle, intercondylar area, and lateral condyle did not differ significantly between groups. Trends toward higher obesity, more physically demanding occupations, and greater Kellgren-Lawrence severity were observed among NP patients. These findings suggest that NP adversely influences pain and function in knee OA independent of cartilage thickness, underscoring the importance of early identification and targeted management.

Objective: We hypothesized that serum uromodulin levels (sUMOD) and the uromodulin rs4293393 T > C polymorphism could aid in risk stratification for kidney injury (KI) in patients with a congenital solitary functioning kidney (CSFK), serving as markers of nephron mass. We tested this hypothesis in a cohort study of 56 CSFK patients followed from birth to adulthood. The rs4293393 polymorphism was genotyped using the TaqMan assay. Serum uromodulin was measured at last follow-up using ELISA. KI was defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate < 90 ml/min/1.73m2 and/or hypertension and/or proteinuria.

Results: Over a mean follow-up of 21.1years(range:18-33), 15 patients (26.8%) developed KI. Genotypes were TT (62.5%) and TC (37.5%). Higher sUMOD levels in early adulthood were linked to kidney length(KL) > 2SDS in early-life and absence of the C allele. Lower sUMOD levels were associated with KI and its components. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed 100% KI-free survival at 33years in patients with early KL > 2SDS. Survival dropped to 62.4% in those without early KL > 2SDS and wild-type genotype, and to 0% by 26years in C allele carriers (p = 0.001). The hazard ratio for KI in C allele carriers was 5.1(95%confidence interval:1.6-16.2;p = 0.006). Therefore, early-life kidney ultrasound, combined with rs4293393 genotyping might improve risk stratification for KI in patients with CSFK.

Background: Although the Central African Republic (CAR) has adopted a National Strategy document to fight gender-based violence (GBV), the number of cases of sexual violence remains high year after year. Female Sex workers (FSW) are among the populations most vulnerable to GBV.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical survey. Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) is a peer recruitment method often used to create a sample from seeds. Risk factors for GBV were assessed using multiple logistic regression.

Results: Age group under 20 is more affected by GBV and sexual exploitation. The main determinants associated with sexual violence among FSW were: age under 20 years: (aOR = 2.69 [1.93-3.28]; p = 0.001); regular alcohol consumption: (aOR = 2.58 [1.39-4.78]; p = 0.003); sex work is the main source of income: (aOR = 2.13 [1.94-3.08]; p = 0.001) and having a sexual partner (customer) military or police: (aOR = 3.57 [2.81-5.23]; p = 0.001).

Conclusions: Regular use of alcohol and having a military or police client were associated with a high probability of experiencing gender-based violence. The development of specific interventions to reduce these risks is crucial for the protection of the rights and physical integrity of this highly vulnerable segment of the population.

Objective: An alert has been issued regarding the widespread emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in hospital settings. A total of 150 consecutive, non-duplicate K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from patients admitted to tertiary care hospitals in Tehran between April 2023 and December 2024. These isolates were cultured from various clinical specimens, including sputum, urine, blood, wounds, bronchoalveolar lavage, and tracheal swabs. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using both disk diffusion and microdilution methods according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Additionally, combined disk diffusion test (CDDT), modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM), and EDTA-modified carbapenem inactivation method (eCIM) tests were used to confirm the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), carbapenemases, and metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), respectively. Biofilm production was assessed using the microtiter plate method with crystal violet staining. Molecular detection of ESBL genes (bla_TEM, bla_SHV, bla_CTX-M, bla_GES, bla_PER, bla_VEB), carbapenemase/MBL genes (bla_NDM, bla_VIM, bla_IMP, bla_KPC, bla_OXA-48), and colistin resistance genes (mcr-1 to mcr-4) was performed by PCR sequencing.

Results: Colistin showed the highest efficacy, with susceptibility rates of 83.3%. Notably, 25 isolates (16.7%) were colistin-resistant and 115 (76.7%) were carbapenem-resistant. Phenotypic analysis identified 87 (57.3%) isolates as ESBL producers, 93 (62%) as carbapenemase producers, and 79 (52.7%) as MBL producers. Biofilm production levels were categorized as strong (44 isolates, 29.3%), moderate (56, 37.3%), and weak (50, 33.3%). The spectrum of detected resistance genes included bla_TEM (117, 78%), bla_SHV (74, 49.3%), bla_CTX-M (121, 80.7%), bla_NDM (71, 47.3%), bla_OXA-48 (44, 29.3%) and bla_VIM (4, 2.7%), whereas bla_GES, bla_PER, bla_VEB, bla_IMP, bla_KPC, and mcr-1 to mcr-4 genes were not detected in any isolates. These findings underscore the critical need for comprehensive surveillance and stringent infection control measures to prevent the spread of resistant K. pneumoniae strains in healthcare facilities.

Objective: This study aimed to examine how residents living in Mole National Park, Ghana, understand and perceive zoonotic diseases. By assessing their knowledge sources, perceived transmission pathways, and views on animal reservoirs, the research sought to identify key predictors shaping residents' perception of zoonotic risk and to inform targeted health and conservation interventions.

Results: Awareness of zoonotic diseases was widespread, yet only 37% of respondents rated their knowledge as "very good." Self-learning (89%) was the dominant information source, far outweighing formal training (11%). While most correctly identified rabies and Ebola as zoonotic diseases (80%), misconceptions and gaps remained. Commonly perceived transmission pathways included contact with animal blood (66%), sharing food with animals (60%), and consuming undercooked meat (59%). Monkeys (82%) and bats (65%) were frequently cited as reservoirs. Three-quarters viewed zoonoses as a serious health threat. Ordinal regression showed that occupation, education, length of residence, belief in protective gear, and knowledge level significantly predicted risk perception. Park staff and long-term residents demonstrated higher perception of risk, whereas tour guides, individuals with lower education, and those with limited knowledge showed lower perception. Belief in the effectiveness of protective gear strongly increased perceived risk (OR = 4.48).